A grant has been awarded to fund football and other physical activities to help children engage with each other and the community.

The Police Crime Commissioner Funding initiative has awarded £7,160 to Epping Forest District Council to develop positive relationships with young people aged 11 to 16 .

The funding will be used to arrange football events and other activities in Waltham Abbey and Limes Farm in Chigwell.

Cllr Helen Kane, head of leisure and community services at the council, said: “It is hoped that the provision will divert young people away from anti-social behaviour and crime, help build respect and cohesion in the local community and help the participants to gain new skills and improve their wellbeing.”